CHICO, Calif. – Silver Dollar Speedway has postponed its racing season until after May 10.
Track officials are working with the Silver Dollar Fair to comply with precautionary guidelines for public gatherings while the COVID-19 virus is confronted.
State officials have mandated an eight-week waiting period ending on May 10.
“We want to do our part in preventing this terrible virus,” said Dennis Gage, Silver Dollar Speedway Manager. “This is unprecedented.
“We’ve had rain, floods, and fires, but never a virus impacting our events.”
The Chico race season, which normally runs from March until October, will be shortened up considerably now, starting in late May or June.
The signature race for the track is the Gold Cup Race of Champions, featuring the World of Outlaw Sprint Car Series, set for Sept. 9-12. That event is still planned as of now.
Events this year will include the Platinum Cup for 360 winged sprint cars all four nights, while the Outlaws join in for the final two nights of action.
The July 4 celebration at the speedway could also be impacted by the changes, and may move to July 3 so an aerial fireworks show can still be held in Chico.
Several dark July and August dates are being looked at for reschedules. Although the April Monster Truck has been lost, there will be one held on Aug. 14-15.
While there remain no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Butte County, the worldwide and state impacts dictate preventive measures in all areas.
Silver Dollar Speedway has operated for 72 years at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds and did get an opening special race in on Friday, March 13, won by Justyn Cox.
Any online or pre-event tickets purchased will be honored at the full value of the tickets at events held later in the year.